For years Kiwis have been putting up with council fees when building new homes, but one Christchurch woman thinks she has figures that shows it's getting out of control.
Liz Armon built a house for her retired, disabled brother David in south-east Christchurch – a one bedroom, open plan living house she wanted David to feel at home in.
The house cost $67,000 to build but then came Christchurch City Council's fees on top – an extra $23,000.
"I was absolutely astounded," Ms Armon said.
"Twenty-three thousand in total for consent costs when I had anticipated it being $1,500 after speaking to the council initially."
The hefty bill was made up of a development levy, consent fees, a flood level survey, with neighbouring Selwyn District Council carving some off the top as well.
"I can't understand why any council wouldn't want to support elderly people or families in need," Ms Armon said.
As it turns out, those main council taxes are made up of lots of smaller taxes for inspection fees, processing times and contributions for future parks and public transport in the area.
The council added the $12,500 development levy Ms Armon paid was actually a bargain with levies for houses in other subdivisions "typically" $20,000 to $30,000.
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